Standard attendance policies waived during Rosh Hashanah Sept. 24 to 26

The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah is designated for sunset Wednesday, Sept. 24, to nightfall Thursday, Sept. 26. Because the first day of fall quarter is set for Sept. 24, with many classes also beginning on Sept. 25, Western has decided that no student will be dropped from a course for failure to attend the first day of classes (applies to Sept. 24, 25 and 26).

The proximity between the first day of fall term and this important religious holiday has been carefully reviewed by administrative and faculty oversight and requires that we make those adjustments to first-day attendance policies.

In general, administrative withdrawals for failure to attend the first day of classes are rare. However, in recognizing significant religious holidays, the Registrar’s Office is being proactive in making sure the message reaches staff and faculty currently involved in new student orientation programs in case there are questions or concerns from new students and family who are unfamiliar with university policy or practices.

Additional campus-wide messaging will be sent as fall approaches to be sure the adjustment in policy is clearly broadcast.

For more information, contact the WWU Registrar's Office at 360-650-3430.